{"id":165518,"date":"2025-03-31T07:09:27","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T07:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/agriculture\/overcome-fertilizer-prices-heres-how-to-really-stay-profitable\/"},"modified":"2025-03-31T07:09:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T07:09:27","slug":"overcome-fertilizer-prices-heres-how-to-really-stay-profitable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=165518","title":{"rendered":"Overcome fertilizer prices: here’s how to really stay profitable"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"OvercomeFertilizer prices have been on a steady climb for decades, but the past few years have seen some of the sharpest increases yet. Take nitrogen fertilizer, for example\u2014it has doubled in price in just the last two years. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no sign that things will get better anytime soon. With costs continuing to rise, ranchers and forage producers need to be smart about how they manage fertilizer use to keep their operations profitable. Simply put, wasting fertilizer means wasting money.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among all the inputs that go into warm-season forage production, commercial fertilizer is by far the most expensive. However, by using it efficiently, there\u2019s a significant potential for increased profits. This doesn\u2019t just mean applying less\u2014it means making sure every dollar spent on fertilizer gives the best possible return. If managed properly, the right fertilizer strategy can help maintain soil fertility, improve forage quality, and ultimately increase profits. The goal isn\u2019t just to save money on fertilizer but to optimize every application for maximum returns.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we talk about efficiency, it\u2019s essential to understand that cheaper isn\u2019t always better. Going for the lowest-cost option might seem tempting, but cutting corners can lead to poor soil health, lower yields, and higher costs in the long run. Instead of focusing solely on price, producers should aim to maximize the value of the fertilizer they apply. With that in mind, here are four practical ways to get the most out of your fertilizer investment while keeping forage production costs under control.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Test Your Soil First\u2014Don\u2019t Guess!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Adequate soil fertility is the key to successful forage and hay production. It is literally the foundation on which all the others are built. Unless all the required nutrients are supplied in adequate amounts, your forage production will not reach its full potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soil testing is the best tool for a forage production manager to monitor soil fertility levels. It\u2019s a powerful tool that can help identify nutrient deficiencies and inadequate soil pH and indicate which nutrients are present at high enough levels for fertilizer to be skipped. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your fertilizer use, ensuring you\u2019re not wasting money on unnecessary applications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tests conducted within the last three years will provide you with information that is current enough for you to make your decisions. They will also let you know how well your pasture improvement plan works. This improvement is, of course, if you have followed the fertilizer recommendations in your results. If you did not, it may be a good idea for you to collect another soil test so you can have the most accurate measurements you need.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the Test: What\u2019s Next?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Once you have the results, look at the current levels of the nutrients you want. If they are in the optimum range, consider skipping the application this year. Phosphorus (P) levels in forages should be between 100 and 150 ppm. Potassium (K) is in the 100 to 200 ppm area. Any decisions you make regarding fertilizer should be made in relation to whether the field is below, within, or above the optimum range.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you decide to apply fertilizer, what type you use is just as important. The general rule is that you should only should only apply fertilizer to your warm-season grasses once you have five consecutive nights where the lows do not get below 60 degrees. If you apply before that time, you will feed the weeds more than anything, which will be a waste of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a previous article, \u201cDon\u2019t<\/span><\/span> hold back your soil test,\u201d<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>I discussed the importance of soil testing and the steps to conduct one.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Choose the Right Fertilizer\u2014Not Just the Cheapest One<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Where you choose to get your fertilizer from can have just as much of an impact on the efficiency of your application as anything. It\u2019s not an area where you want to go with the \u2018lowest sticker price.\u2019 Instead, it\u2019s a decision that requires a little math and a lot of diligence to determine which will work best for you. By choosing the right fertilizer, not just the cheapest one, you\u2019re taking responsibility for the efficiency and effectiveness of your fertilizer use.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three primary sources of nitrogen fertilizers used in pastures around the country are ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and urea. Biosolids and animal manures are also excellent sources of Nitrogen if you prefer to go the organic route. No matter what you go with, it is essential to consider things like price, fertilizer effectiveness, method, and application rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example<\/span><\/h4>\n

Calculating fertilizer costs based on dollars per pound of the nutrient you need would be best. This will give you a more \u201capples-to-apples\u201d comparison. Here is an example that you can follow to arrive at your answer (disclaimer: this is just an example, and you should contact your local supplier to get a price).<\/span><\/p>\n

Compare Costs Per Pound of Nutrients<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Instead of looking at bulk prices, calculate the cost per pound of actual nutrients. Here\u2019s an example:<\/span><\/p>\n